Hey everyone
I’ve started working on my weight loss and found that even when I’m getting my protein and nutrients, I’m often close to or below 1200 calories. Do you think 1200 calories a day is actually fine if I’m careful with it?
What’s your height and do you do any exercise?
Usually, 1200 is okay if you’re shorter and don’t do much physical activity. But if you’re taller or more active, you might need a bit more.
Dakota said:
What’s your height and do you do any exercise?
Usually, 1200 is okay if you’re shorter and don’t do much physical activity. But if you’re taller or more active, you might need a bit more.
I’m 5’2, female, and I do some weight training in the morning, but my job is mostly sitting down.
@Noe
At your height and with light training, 1200 might be okay as long as you’re meeting your nutrition goals.
Just keep an eye on things like energy and any shifts in your cycle. Those can be signs that you might need a bit more fuel.
For your height, that’s probably fine. I’m 5’3, and my BMR is around 1200 too, so I need to keep things low to see any progress.
If you’re a woman, 1200 might be okay, but you may start feeling tired after a while. Maybe try bumping it up to 1300-1400 so it feels more sustainable long-term.
For men, though, 1200 is likely too low.
Being much lower than 500 calories below what you actually need can be risky. Your body needs calories to keep going. It’ll use stored fat, but it could also break down other reserves, which isn’t great for health.
Try using an online TEE calculator. If your goal is weight loss, aim for around 500 fewer calories than you burn each day. That way, you’ll lose weight more gradually but also more sustainably.
It depends on a lot of things. What are you eating? What type of exercise? What’s your job like? Are you sitting or moving a lot? And then there’s genetics…
A lot of people track calories so they can fit in some “junk” every day. If you focus on mostly nutritious foods, you might not need to count calories as much. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise can make the numbers less important.
1300 calories might be better if you’re active, and try doing some light exercise instead of cutting too low. Also, a cup or two of vegetables a day is a good idea for fiber and vitamins.
Check out MyPlate for guidance on nutrient amounts. Aim to keep sugars low, and avoid things like trans fats. Don’t just eat salad, try adding beans or nuts, and maybe a little cheese. Balance out your meals with proteins, fats, and carbs, and try not to be too strict. Enjoy your meals without distractions, and make sure to eat foods that keep you full.
Toddlers need around 1200 calories a day to grow, so that should give some perspective.